The City Lights Collective

Lois Reitzes talks with Atlanta Magazine Editor-in-Chief Betsy Riley about the magazine's 60th birthday celebration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with Julie Coucheron about her Atlanta Symphony Orchestra debut and the funny story behind how she got here.Plus, we'll hear about a new platform that has helped seniors connect with family and friends during the isolation of the pandemic. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes is joined by award-winning comedy writer Alan Zweibel to talk about his new movie "Here Today," starring Tiffany Haddish and Billy Crystal, who also directed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with Joe Gransden about his music, his band, and getting back to live performances. Plus, a conversation about the new play "DATA" with Susan V. Booth, artistic director of The Alliance Theatre and playwright Matthew Libby. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with professor Ayanna Thompson about her book "Blackface," which looks at the history of the practice; Academy award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter about her exhibit "Afrofuturism," on display at the SCAD Fash Museum through September 12th; and Dr. James Chappuis about "Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel," on view at the Westside Cultural Arts Center through May 23rd.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes is joined by Dr. Scott Stewart to discuss the marvelous scores of the Star Wars movies.Plus we'll hear from Lauren Bohn, program manager for Midtown's Heart of the Arts with filmmaker and multimedia artist Kristan Woolford and painter Melissa Huang. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois talks with director and writer Larissa Lam and producer Baldwin Chiu. Their new documentary "Far East, Deep South" premieres tomorrow on the World Channel Series "America Reframed." Also, we'll hear from Roman Mars about the recent book based on his podcast, 99% Invisible. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today April 30, is International Jazz Day and to honor the observance we're going to listen back to a conversation with H. Johnson, the host of WABE's Jazz Classics. On City Lights in 2019 we commemorated the legacy of Nat King Cole with our centennial series of conversations about Cole's artistry and influence -- both as pianist and singer. Also, internationally renowned bass Morris Robinson. The "Concert for Unity" will be performed on May 8th and 9th. The virtual panel discussion “Black Voices in Classical Music: A Conversation About Access,” will stream on May 6th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes speaks with Renita James, Director of Education at Aurora Theatre. She was joined by musician Yao Lu, Director of the Magic Eastern Ensemble and Erhu (are-who) player Cindy Fang. Also, we listen back to Lois' conversation with Rachel Lynn Solomon, the author of the novel "The Ex Talk" set in a public radio station.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes speaks with Herb Snitzer about his exhibition at the Breman Museum, “A Jazz Memoir: Photography by Herb Snitzer”. It features intimate photos of jazz icons Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Nina Simone and many others. Also, Emory Film professor Dr. Matthew Bernstein and Emory Music Professor Dr. Dwight Andrews talk about the Breman Museum's virtual discussion of the film "The Jazz Singer: Blacks, Jews, and Jazz". See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Photographer Arvin Temkar followed the local collective, Black Punk in 2019, to showcase people of color who are fans of punk music. He speaks with "City Lights" producer Summer Evans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes speaks with local architect Joe Weishaar about his design for the new memorial.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes speaks with the creators of the documentary film "Carterland", brothers Will and Jim Pattiz. The film shines a new light on the presidency and contributions of Jimmy Carter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"A Hundred Words for Snow" follows a girl who takes her fathers ashes on an expedition to the North Pole. Theatrical Outfit Artistic Director Matt Torney and actor Kristen Jeter join Lois Reitzes for a conversation about the production. "A Hundred Words for Snow" is currently available to stream through May 2nd. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with Christopher Escobar, the executive director of the Atlanta Film Festival. The festival begins tomorrow and will run through May 2nd. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes interviews author Becky Albertalli about her new novel "Kate In Waiting"; as well as Lawrence Brownlee and Michael Spyres about their album "Friends and Rivals."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Gillese of Dad's Garage Comedy Improv Theatre has produced a comedic film featuring adult actors with special needs. 'How to Ruin the Holidays," addresses real-world, adult issues that are part of disabled peoples lives, and does so with laughter.Plus, Jazz Saxphonist Tia Fuller. She performed the music for "Dorothea," the sassy saxophonist in the Pixar animated film "Soul."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Pearl Cleage creates in all literary forms, and the many facets of her writing were acknowledged by Mayor Bottoms recently, as she named Pearl Cleage the first Poet Laureate of Atlanta. She spoke with Lois Reitzes about the honor.Also, the High Museum's Sarah Kennel and Maria Kelly talk with Lois about the exhibition “Underexposed: Women Photographers from the Collection”.And, Fernbank's Education Director, Sarah Arnold takes us through some habitats found throughout the world.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes speaks with Westminster senior Sarah Lao. She won first prize in this year's "Tell Me A Story" High School Writing competition with her poem "Triptych." She was also the 2020 Teen Poet Laureate of Georgia. Also, a conversation with playwright Amina McIntyre about her production of "A Good Day" with "Out of Hand Theatre".And Matt Terrell describes his new web series, "Living the Dream," as a cross between Pee Wee's Playhouse and Martha Stewart.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with Atlanta Opera Artistic Director Tomer Zvulun and Jon Ludwig, the Artistic Director for the Center of Puppetry Arts. The Atlanta Opera’s Molly Blank Big Tent series returns April 15th with "The Threepenny Carmen" and "The Threepenny Opera" performed in rep through May 9 on the grounds of the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center.Also, we hear from Atlanta dancer Keith Reeves with Atlanta Ballet Choreographer-in-Residence Claudia Schreier. Her new short film, “Force of Habit,” can be streamed on Youtube. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jack Jewers joins Lois Reitzes to talk about inVerse, a new series of short films exploring ancient poetry as a prism through which to understand our modern world.Also, Lara Downes, pianist and host of the NPR Music Series "Amplify." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with Leatrice Ellzy about her time at Hammonds House Museum as well as her move to senior director of programming at the Apollo Theatre in New York; Matt Paxton about the new PBS series "Legacy List," which airs every Wednesday at 5PM on ATL-PBA; and High Museum curator Michael Rooks about David Driskell's first posthumous exhibition, "Icons of Nature and History" on view through May 9th.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes speaks with harpist Angelica Hairston, founder of Challenge the Stats, and pianist Verena Lucia Anders, co-founder of “Conductors for Change." Also, Lois talks to artists Doug Pisik and Robert Burch as well as curator Madeline Beck about their contributions for the Marietta Cobb Museum of Art's exhibition "The Four Elements."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes is joined by artist Rachel Evans Grant. Her exhibition "Natural Engagement: Where Earth Meets Sky" is on display in Circle Gallery through April 15th at the UGA College of Environment and Design. Also, Lawrence Azerrad co-curated the virtual exhibition, "The Future Happened, Designing the Future of Music" on view now from MODA -- the Museum of Design Atlanta.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with author Steve Fiffer about the new memoir of the Civil Rights activist, the Rev.C.T. Vivian. Fiffer helped the 94-year old Vivian write the book called, “It’s in the Action: Memories of a Nonviolent Warrior.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes speaks with actor and director Tinashe Kajese-Bolden; she is the BOLD Women’s Leadership Circle Artistic Director Fellow for the Alliance Theater. The company's "Under the Tent" series starts April 22nd.Also, our Culture Crash series continues with director Adam Koplan. We'll learn about essential outside influences on the modern American field of Public Relations.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with Will Morrison, an 8th grader at the Davis School who won second prize for his documentary "The Missing Piece for Autism." He was joined by Pam McGorry, Education Program Senior Specialist at C-SPAN Classroom. Also Monica Obniski, the High Museum curator of decorative arts and design. The exhibition "Bestowing Beauty: Masterpieces from Persian Lands” is on view at The High through April 18th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with artist Gregor Turk about his outdoor photo exhibit depicting a west side Atlanta neighborhood dating back to 1872. Blandtown was founded in 1872 by the formerly enslaved Felix Bland. Also, we'll hear about "The Bard's Birthday Bash," - a three-night Zoom event celebrating Shakespeare's influence, with a variety of guests. Each of the artists and authors will share how Shakespeare's writing helped inspire their careers and special projects. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two Atlanta entertainment entrepreneurs, Kayla Shelton and Don Cannon created a new app in response to the need for added income. They spoke about the new platform via Zoom with “City Lights” producer Summer Evans. Also, we'll listen back to Lois' conversation with best friends and collaborators actor Jimmie Fails and director Joe Talbot about their debut film "The Last Black Man in San Francisco."  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes is joined by Andrew Feiler to talk about the creation of the Rosenwald schools, which provided free education to African-American children in the South in the early 20th century. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes speaks about the healing power of music with violist Yinzi Kong, a member of the Vega Quartet, and pianist and Professor Will Ransom, the Artistic Director of the Emory Chamber Music Society of Atlanta. Yinzi will perform as people are being vaccinated at Northlake Mall. Also, we'll hear about the exhibition "Hin Bredendieck: From Aurich to Atlanta." on view through May 31st.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with Jan Berry Baker, Bent Frequency co-artistic director and Leslie Gordon, Breman Museum Executive Director, about the concert "Mirrors". Plus, “Making Waves: the Art of Cinematic Sound” demonstrates the history and use of sound in motion pictures. Filmmaker and producer Karen Johnson talks about her 2019 documentary and exploring an art form most people experience, but take for granted.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes speaks with Canadian musicians Carli and Julie Kennedy, who make up the band Twin Kennedy, and Mallory Johnson. More information on where and how to live stream the show will be on our website--wabe.org/citylights. Plus we'll hear from Trevor Beemon and Page Burch about Cobb Landmarks.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Celtic Woman's Chloe Agnew has a new solo album. She will have a live stream performance tomorrow through Virago TV. And two live performances at Red Clay Music Foundry in Duluth on Sunday at 3:30PM and 7PM. Plus, a conversation with photographer Annie Leibovitz. She is the first woman to have a solo exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C. And the first American summoned to make an official portrait of the Queen of England.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes is joined by ‌Dr. Dan Lugo‌,‌ President of Queens University and pianist/composer Malek Jandali. His Piano Concerto recording with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is available now.Plus, Tony Award-winning director Seth Greenleaf discusses the star-studded play "Middletown." The play was filmed at the Strand Theatre in February 2020 and is now streaming for a monthlong run on the OVERTURE+ streaming platform. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jasmine Elder is an Atlanta-based Fashion Designer and Founder of the clothing line Jibri. She joins Lois Reitzes to talk about the design she created for Vanity Fair's September 2020 cover. You can see an image of Amy Sherald’s portrait of Breonna Taylor on our website, wabe.org/citylights. And, author Anna Malaika Tubbs. Her recent book, "The Three Mothers," explores the lives of the mothers of MLK, Malcolm X and James Baldwin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes is joined by author Rachel Lynn Solomon. Her new romantic comedy novel, "The Ex Talk" is set at a fictional public radio station in Seattle, where two journalists pretend to be exes and deliver relationship advice live, on air. Also, Tracy Heather Strain talks about her film documenting the life and work of playwright and activist Lorrain Hansberry. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

MODA Executive Director Laura Flusche joins Lois for a conversation on innovative bicycles and the impact of design. "Bike to the Future" opens tomorrow and runs through June 5th.Plus, we'll listen back to an interview with the author Lisa See. Her novel, "China Dolls,” is set in San Francisco, and explores the forgotten story of the Chinese-American night clubs in the 1930s and 40s. And, Lois talks with photographer Teri Darnell. Her series "Crossing Cheshire Bridge" was published as a book in 2016.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with Nicole Clifton, president of social impact and the UPS foundation, and April Nelson about "Black Voices from Big Brown"; New York Times best-selling author Aisha Saeed about her novel “Amal Unbound"; and and Geo Sipp, director of Kennesaw State University's School of Art & Design about the exhibition "The 9th Art: Frames and Thought Bubbles," which features comic book art.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ciara O'Floinn, Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta, and Irish poet Elaine Cosgrove talk with Lois Reitzes about the richness of Irish culture with poetry and music.Also Dr. Scott Stewart shares his playlist of festive Irish music, including and far beyond Danny Boy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes interviews Grammy award-winning violinist Gil Shaham about his new album "Beethoven & Brahms: Violin Concertos"; and author Dawn Tripp about her novel “Georgia,” based on the life of Georgia O’Keeffe. Shelley Kenneavy talks with Karen Kelly of the Children's Museum of Atlanta about the exhibition "The Pigeon Comes to Atlanta."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes talks with Dr. James Chappuis about the exhibition "Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel" on view at the Westside Cultural Arts Center; pianist Lara Downes about her new recording label, Rising Sun Music, which aims to elevate the work of Black composers; and Emory University professor and historian Ruby Lal about her new book “Empress: The Astonishing Reign of Nur Jahan.” The work focuses on Nur Jahan, an empress that ruled the Mughal Empire, which consisted of much of what is now modern-day India.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois Reitzes sits down with Michele Rhea Caplinger, Senior Executive Director of The Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy, and three-time Grammy winner John Driskell Hopkins of the Zac Brown Band. Also, Lois talks with Dr. Meisa Salaita, co-executive director of the Atlanta Science Festival. Festivities begin tomorrow and run through the 27th. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The exhibition on view at Atlanta's Museum of Contemporary Art -- MOCA GA is celebrating local artists of Hispanic/Latinx origins. Artist and juror Alexi Torres explains how the works in this show reveal the duality of these artists’ identities.We'll also hear Lois' conversation with Jennifer Bauer-Lyons, the Executive Director of the Serenbe Institute for Art, Culture & the Environment. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jon Carr sat down with Lois Reitzes to talk about his original scripted comedy "Black Nerd." A video of the show is available to stream at Dad’s On Demand. And, Community Farmers Markets is expanding their offerings. Lois talked with Katie Hayes, the Executive Director of Community Farmers Markets.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Director Adam Koplan about the origins of Marvel Comics and how Captain America has been misrepresented by agitators in recent months.Plus, media maven Mara Davis on her favorite podcasts, including her own - Vote HER can be found on Stitcher and Apple podcast. You can find the list of Mara's suggestions on our website--wabe.org/citylights.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Katie Jentleson, the High Museum Curator of Folk and Self-Taught Art, joins Lois Reitzes to talk about the impact of this substantial gift to the High from the collectors Anne and Robert Levine. Also, City Lights producer Summer Evans speaks with Patricia Holt about her book "Empower a Refugee: The Backyard Humanity Movement and Peace of Thread."And, author Pam Jenoff joins Lois to talk about her novel "The Lost Girls of Paris." See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois speaks with producer TJ Lubinsky about the music special "It's What's Happening, Baby!" The film includes videos made by Berry Gordy and a historic concert filmed at the Brooklyn Fox Theatre, and it airs tomorrow night on ATL PBA.Plus, author and educator Dr. Ana Gerhard. Her new series of children books is “Little Stories of Great Composers.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lois speaks with legendary soul artist William Bell about his career and his music. He will receive the nation’s highest honor in the folk and traditional arts in a virtual ceremony of the 2020 National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellows tonight at 8. Also, a conversation about the artwork of Emma Amos. She is best known for her colorful large-scale canvases that incorporate African fabrics and semi-autobiographical content. Her works are on display at the Georgia Museum of Art.Plus, we hear from Mike Tollin, the Executive Producer of the climate change documentary "Meltdown." The film can be streamed on Apple iTunes, Vudu, Xfinity, and other streaming platforms.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"The Prophets" follows the love story of two enslaved men in Antebellum Mississippi. Author Robert Jones, Jr. joins Lois to talk about the novel.Plus, Atlanta chef Asha Gomez talks about her book "I Cook in Color: Bright Flavors from My Kitchen and Around the World."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.